Walking around the grounds felt really relaxing, and it’s super photogenic.
Especially when the sunlight hits the wooden buildings—such a soft, peaceful vibe.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, take a stroll, and soak up a bit of culture, it’s totally worth a visit.
Imamiya Shrine (Kyoto)
This shrine is said to have begun in 994, when a goryo-e ritual called the Murasakino Goryo-e was held at Funaokayama to calm the epidemic that was spreading through the Heian capital, by enshrining the plague deity worshipped here. Later, when an epidemic broke out again in 1001, another goryo-e ritual was held, after which the plague deity was transferred back to this shrine, three main sanctuary buildings and a shrine building for the plague deity were newly established, and it was named Imamiya-sha.
It feels really მშვიდ and quiet here, unlike some of Kyoto’s more popular shrines that get super crowded. As soon as you walk in, your mind starts to calm down.
It’s especially well known for prayers for love and relationships, so a lot of people come here for that. The atmosphere feels old and traditional, without much of a commercial vibe, so it’s very pleasant to walk around.
After your visit, it’s also a nice bonus to stop by one of the two famous shops at the entrance for ajari mochi or grilled mochi. Walking around while eating gives the area that classic old Kyoto feel. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time and really soak it in.
Goza-no-ishi Shrine
A shrine known for its striking vermilion torii gate near the north shore of Lake Tazawa. Local tradition says that in the Muromachi period, mountain ascetics devoted to Kumano Gongen used this area for training. The name is said to come from Keian 3 (1650), when Akita Domain lord Satake Yoshitaka toured Lake Tazawa and sat on a stone here to rest.
It feels small, quiet, and kind of spiritually charged. It’s right by Lake Tazawa—walk a few steps and you’ll see that insanely blue water.
It’s not a big place, but it has a really calm atmosphere, and you don’t get that “too many tourists” pressure.
Akanko Onsen
Lake Akan is known as a natural habitat of marimo, a Special Natural Monument of Japan. On its lakeshore sits Akanko Onsen, the leading hot spring resort area in eastern Hokkaido with a history of over 100 years. A hot spring town stretches along the shore of Lake Akan, lined with around 20 ryokan, hotels, and guesthouses. Many hot spring facilities face the lake, and their location is outstanding, offering panoramic views of Lake Akan and Mt. Oakan from the baths and guest rooms.
The whole area wraps around the lake, and soaking in the hot spring while looking out at the water is super relaxing. In winter, you can even watch the snow fall, which feels absolutely magical.
There are lots of ryokan to choose from here, and some even have open-air baths where you can soak and look at the stars.
The area is also pretty lively at night, with restaurants, little shops, and even Ainu cultural performances to enjoy.
The only small downside is that the location is a bit remote, so getting there without a car can be inconvenient. Still, the overall atmosphere is fantastic, and it’s definitely worth staying a night just to unwind.
